What BMW Cars Use V10? The Complete List

Only two production models – the E60 M5 and E63/E64 M6. These are the BMW cars that use a V10 engine, a unique and thrilling chapter in the brand’s history.

This engine was a bold move for BMW. It was their first and only V10 ever made for the road. They built it to compete with the best from Italy and Germany. The sound and power were unlike anything else they offered.

It came from the world of Formula 1. BMW wanted that racing spirit in a car you could drive every day. The result was a high-revving masterpiece that fans still love today.

Finding a BMW that uses a V10 is rare. If you see or hear one, you know it’s something special. It represents a peak of natural aspiration before turbocharging took over.

What BMW Cars Use a V10 Engine?

Let’s get straight to the point. The list is very short and very exciting.

The main answer is the E60 generation M5 sedan. This car shocked the world when it came out. It put a screaming V10 into a family four-door car.

The other model is the E63 and E64 M6. This is the coupe and convertible version. They share the exact same powertrain as the M5. So these are the BMW cars that use a V10 under the hood.

There are no other road-going BMW models with this layout. Some concept cars had V10 ideas, but they never made it to showrooms. This makes these M cars even more unique.

When people ask what BMW cars use a V10, these two are the full answer. They were sold from around 2005 to 2010. Their engine is known internally as the S85.

It’s a pure performance engine. BMW did not use it in any 7 Series or other luxury model. They saved it for their ultimate driving machines.

The Heart of the Beast: The S85 V10 Engine

This engine is the real star of the show. It’s why these cars are so legendary.

The S85 is a 5.0-liter engine. It makes 500 horsepower and revs to a screaming 8,250 RPM. That redline is higher than most motorcycle engines. The sound it makes is simply electric.

It uses ten individual throttle bodies. This gives instant response when you press the gas. The technology came straight from BMW’s Formula 1 program at the time.

It has a dry-sump oil system. This is a racing feature that keeps oil flowing during hard cornering. You don’t see this in normal street cars very often.

The engine block is made from a special aluminum-silicon alloy. This makes it very light and strong. Every part was built for speed and high revs.

Owning one of the BMW cars that use this V10 means you own a piece of F1 history. It’s a complex and wonderful piece of engineering. It feels alive in a way modern turbo engines do not.

Why Did BMW Build a V10?

This is a great question. Why go through all the trouble for just two models?

The early 2000s was a horsepower war. BMW’s rivals had V10 engines. Mercedes had one in their E63 AMG. Audi put a V10 in the S6 and S8. Lamborghini and Ferrari used them too.

BMW wanted to prove they could build the best engine. They wanted something special for their M5. The previous model had a V8. The next one would need to be a huge step up.

They also had the knowledge from racing. Their F1 team used V10 engines. It made sense to use what they learned. This created a direct link between the race track and the street.

A V10 also has a perfect firing order. It sounds smoother than a V8 and wilder than a V12. The balance is just right for a sports car. It gives a unique character you can’t get anywhere else.

So BMW chose the V10 for performance and prestige. They wanted to make a statement. The cars that use this BMW V10 engine are that statement made real.

It was a “because we can” project. And we are all glad they did it. It gave us some of the most exciting sedans ever made.

The E60 BMW M5: The Family Rocket

This car is a legend. It looks like a normal 5 Series sedan. But it hides a monster inside.

The E60 M5 introduced the world to BMW’s V10. It could hit 60 miles per hour in about 4.5 seconds. The top speed was electronically limited to 155 mph, but it could go much faster.

It came with a 7-speed automated manual gearbox called SMG. This gearbox was controversial. It could be jerky in traffic but lightning-fast when driven hard. Some owners later swapped in a traditional manual.

The car had a “Power” button on the steering wheel. Press it, and the engine mapping changed. The throttle response became sharper, and the redline increased. It felt like two different cars.

Inside, it had all the luxury you’d expect. Heated seats, a great sound system, and plenty of space. You could take your kids to school and then tear up a race track.

The E60 M5 is the most famous of the BMW cars that use a V10. It showed the world that a sedan could be as exciting as a supercar. It is a true modern classic.

According to NHTSA, safety was also a priority. It had advanced features for its time. This made the insane power feel manageable and safe.

The E63/E64 BMW M6: The Grand Tourer

If the M5 was the practical choice, the M6 was the glamorous one. It shared the same incredible engine.

The E63 is the coupe version. The E64 is the convertible. Both are stunning cars with long, sleek lines. They are much rarer to see on the road than the M5.

It was slightly lighter than the M5. This made the performance feel even more intense. The engine had the same 500 horsepower output. The driving experience was more focused and sporty.

The interior was a special place. It had more carbon fiber trim and unique seats. It felt like a proper GT car meant for long, fast journeys.

Like the M5, it used the SMG gearbox. Driving it smoothly took some practice. But when you got it right, it was an amazing feeling.

The M6 completed the duo of BMW cars that use a V10. It offered the same thrilling performance in a more beautiful package. It was for the driver who wanted exclusivity along with speed.

Both the M5 and M6 are the only answer to what BMW cars use a V10. They are two sides of the same incredible coin.

Common Issues with the BMW V10 Engine

These engines are fantastic, but they are not simple. They need care and attention.

The biggest issue is rod bearing failure. This is a well-known problem with the S85 engine. The bearings can wear out prematurely. If they fail, they can destroy the entire engine.

Many owners replace the rod bearings before they fail. This is a costly but smart preventative repair. It gives peace of mind when you own one of these special cars.

The SMG gearbox is another weak point. The hydraulic pump can fail. The clutches wear out. Repairs are expensive. This is why some cars have manual transmission swaps.

The throttle actuators also fail often. These control the ten individual throttle bodies. When they go bad, the car goes into “limp mode” and loses power. Replacing them is a common job.

Ownership is not for everyone. You need to budget for repairs. But for the right person, it’s worth it. The joy you get from driving one of the BMW cars that use a V10 makes up for the headaches.

The Consumer Reports database shows these cars have high running costs. But they also deliver an experience most modern cars cannot match.

What Makes the V10 Sound So Special?

Close your eyes and listen. You can tell it’s a V10 right away.

The sound is a mix of a high-strung race car and a musical instrument. It starts with a deep burble at idle. As the revs climb, it turns into a metallic scream.

The firing order creates this unique wail. It’s different from the low rumble of a V8. It’s also different from the smooth whine of a V12. It sits perfectly in the middle.

At full throttle, the sound is simply addictive. It pulls you to the redline every single time. You just want to hear that symphony over and over again.

Modern turbocharged M cars are very fast. But they mute the engine sound a lot. They don’t have the raw, mechanical scream of the V10. This is a big part of the old car’s charm.

The sound is a key reason people seek out the BMW cars that use a V10. It’s an emotional experience. You don’t just drive the car. You feel it and hear it with your whole body.

It’s a sound that is disappearing from the world. Electric cars are silent. Turbo cars are muffled. This makes the S85’s scream even more precious.

Buying a Used BMW V10 Car Today

Thinking of buying one? It can be a great adventure if you go in with your eyes open.

First, get a pre-purchase inspection. Have a specialist BMW mechanic check the car. They need to look at the rod bearings, SMG pump, and throttle actuators. A good inspection can save you thousands.

Check the service history. You want a car with full records. Look for proof of oil changes every 5,000 miles or less. These engines need fresh oil to stay healthy.

Budget for immediate repairs. Even a clean car might need new rod bearings. Set aside several thousand dollars for this right after you buy it. Think of it as part of the purchase price.

Drive a few examples. See how the SMG gearbox feels to you. Some people love it. Some people hate it. Make sure you can live with its character in daily traffic.

Prices are all over the place. A rough car can be cheap. A perfect, low-mileage example can cost a lot. Remember, a cheap price often means big repair bills are coming.

Owning one of the BMW cars that use a V10 is a commitment. But it’s also a ticket to one of the best driving experiences ever made. The key is to be prepared and find a good one.

The EPA notes these cars have high fuel use and emissions. This is the trade-off for such incredible performance. Be ready for frequent gas station visits.

How Does It Compare to Modern BMW M Cars?

The world has changed. Today’s M5 uses a twin-turbo V8. So how does the old V10 stack up?

Modern M cars are much faster in a straight line. They have huge torque from low RPMs. You get pushed back in your seat without even trying. The V10 needs to be revved hard to make its power.

But the V10 feels more special. The way it builds power is thrilling. You work with the engine, winding it out to its crazy redline. It feels like a partnership between you and the machine.

The new cars are easier to drive fast. They have all-wheel drive and advanced traction control. The old V10 cars are rear-wheel drive with less aid. They can be a handful in the wet.

For pure emotion, the V10 wins. For daily ease and brutal speed, the new cars win. It depends on what you want from your car.

The BMW cars that use a V10 represent the end of an era. They are the last naturally aspirated M5 and M6. They are also the only ones with ten cylinders.

This makes them collector’s items. Their value is likely to go up over time. A modern M5 will be replaced in a few years. The V10 M5’s legend is already set in stone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What BMW cars use a V10 engine?

Only the E60 M5 sedan and the E63/E64 M6 coupe and convertible. These are the only production BMW cars that use a V10 engine from the factory.

Is the BMW V10 engine reliable?

It is not known for being reliable. It has several known weak points like rod bearings and throttle actuators. With proactive maintenance and a good repair budget, it can be enjoyed. But it is not a low-cost car to own.

Why did BMW stop making V10 engines?

Emissions and fuel economy